The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable early American coins. It was the third issue of the $10 gold coin, which is known for its historical significance and its distinct designs. The coin has two types of reverse designs: the Small Eagle and the Heraldic Eagle. This article will explore the value, design, and important facts about the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle to help you understand why it’s so desirable to collectors.
What Makes the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle Special?
The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle is notable for its rarity and design changes. The United States Mint was still in its early stages, and this coin represents the transition between two different reverse designs. The Small Eagle reverse was used for the first part of 1797, while the Heraldic Eagle reverse was introduced later in the year.
Below is a table summarizing the important facts about the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1797 |
| Denomination | $10 USD (One Eagle) |
| Mintmark | None (Philadelphia) |
| Mintage | Between 1,250 and 3,615 coins (estimated) |
| Alloy | .9167 gold, .0833 copper |
| Weight | 17.5 g |
| Diameter | 33.0 mm |
| Edge | Reeded (anti-counterfeiting measure) |
| Obverse Designer | Robert Scot |
| Reverse Designer | Robert Scot |
| Design Types | Small Eagle and Heraldic Eagle reverses |
| Known Population | PCGS MS62 (1), NGC MS63 (1) |
| Highest Auction Price | $440,625 (D. Brent Pogue Collection, 2015) |
This table provides a quick reference to the most important details about the coin. The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle is highly sought after due to its limited mintage and the historical context behind it.
How Much Is the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle Worth?
The value of the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle depends on its condition and variety. The coin can range in price from $100,000 to well over $400,000 for high-quality examples. The coin is considered rare, and even lower-grade coins can attract strong interest from collectors.
- Mint State (MS62 or MS63) examples are especially valuable.
- Auction records show that coins from the top-tier collections, such as the D. Brent Pogue Collection, have reached prices as high as $440,625.
The value of the coin has increased over the years, making it a solid investment for collectors.
Identifying the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle
To identify a genuine 1797 Capped Bust Eagle, collectors look for several key features, such as the number of stars on the obverse and the placement of those stars. The 1797 version has 16 stars, with the first star on the left side of the coin touching the number “1” in the date. A prominent die crack is often visible below the 16th star, running up to Liberty’s neck. This crack is a useful identifying feature.
Additionally, the reverse features a long-necked eagle, and the coin’s edge is reeded for security against counterfeiting.
Design Features of the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle
Obverse (Front)
The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Liberty, who wears a cap. The design has 16 stars around Liberty’s bust, with the date displayed below. The word “LIBERTY” is also visible on the right. The layout of the stars on the obverse, with 12 on the left and 4 on the right, is unique to this coin.
Reverse (Back)
On the reverse, the eagle holds a palm frond in one talon and a laurel wreath in its beak. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” surrounds the design, with a noticeable gap between “UNITED” and “STATES.” The reverse design symbolizes strength and unity, represented by the eagle.
Edge
The reeded edge was added as an anti-counterfeiting measure, a common feature in early American coins.
Conclusion
The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle is an important and rare coin in American numismatic history. Its unique designs, combined with its historical significance and limited mintage, make it a valuable collector’s item. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these coins, you could be holding a piece of history. Collectors should pay attention to key features like the number of stars and the die crack to identify the coin correctly. The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle represents an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in rare U.S. coins.
FAQ’s
What is the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle coin?
The 1797 Capped Bust Eagle is a $10 gold coin issued by the U.S. Mint, featuring two reverse designs: the Small Eagle and the Heraldic Eagle. It was part of the early coinage of the United States and is highly valued by collectors for its rarity and design.
How much is a 1797 Capped Bust Eagle worth?
The value of the 1797 Capped Bust Eagle varies depending on its condition. Lower-grade coins can sell for over $100,000, while higher-grade examples, like MS62 or MS63, have fetched prices upwards of $400,000 at auction.
How can I identify a 1797 Capped Bust Eagle coin?
To identify a 1797 Capped Bust Eagle, look for 16 stars on the obverse, with the first star touching the “1” in the date. A prominent die crack below the 16th star is also common. The reverse features an eagle holding a laurel wreath and a palm frond.